PerreaultForever

I'd want to see detailed stats on high danger chances, breakaways, actual saves above expected and all that other stuff. As @pastajoe said he passes the eye test and just looks more in control of the net with calm sound positioning. But if you want to make the argument they are all the same then you keep the two younger ones.

Well the hockey gods took pity on them and gave them the lucky bounce of the year so far. It's a pity they can't get to more shootouts cause they have the skill guys to win those. Now fix the goalie situation. Ellis is obviously a keeper.

Well I think Adams intelligence is "aritificial" so we've already been led by AI. This actually might matter. If Terry is maximizing savings on the team (and I think he is) it gives him the right moment to clean house with the least expense. I fully expect Jarmo to be GM next year. Whether others are fired or moved to other roles remains to be seen.

Win streaks end. Teams get cocky and complacent. I expect them to take the Sabres lightly with their win streak going and thus, if the Sabres play well they can win it. Will they play well? wtfk.

Getting to the point we are more shocked when they win.

Defensive giveaways. Byram tonight on 2 of them. Brutal. Other nights it's Power or even Dahlin or whoever but it happens every game. Why? Honestly I think it's a simple explanation. They are soft, they don't like to get hit, and so they panic and try to make a pass out when there isn't one. These are the type of plays that coaches like Tortorella bench players for. With the Sabres, it's a way of life.

I watched this on replay so late to the funeral but it was same same. In a way they played just as well as NJ for much of it but 2 brutal giveaways by Byram and weak D by everybody (just watching the puck instead of doing their job) on the other one and that's 3-0 game over. The rest of the goals I don't really count as much as they were pressing and playing up so inevitable if you lose possession. It's the same stuff all the time for years now. No real surprises. Mixed feelings on the Thompson fight but I do wish he'd be that guy more often. Anyone still think they will make the playoffs?

Ya, there was a moment way back when Dudley was available. Before Florida hired him as a senior advisor. It was a hope and a dream but Pegula doesn't want a strong personality in charge. Dudley was the perfect hockey player. Talented, but not super talented, maximum effort every game, personality, character, leadership, did whatever was necessary and brought that every night (and then there was that headband :)) His post playing career is really impressive and he really does seem to know what is what and who is who. Never gonna happen though. As I've said many times, we all should have realized what was going to happen when LaFontaine walked. LaFontaine wanted this job. You don't walk from a situation like that unless you realize your situation will be hopeless. Could be worse though. They could have hired Trotz. Great coach, but possibly a worse GM than Adams. Possibly.

True, but perhaps they have big egos and think more highly of their chances. It's all just speculative and maybe it's other things entirely. I mean I find myself thinking Power just isn't that interested in being a hockey player but maybe he wants to play himself off the team too. idk. The only thing I know for certain, because you see it in games, is too many of these guys take shifts or whole nights off and all too often they are too soft on plays. The inconsistencies result in losses. I mean we can even add Dahlin. Sure, great D man. Very talented. Build a franchise around him. BUT also recognize he's 4th in the league (recent stats I saw on twitter) in defensive zone giveaways. The team all too often is sloppy, undisciplined, inconsistent, and sometimes lacking in effort. Details matter, and details are killing them every year.

He's definitely the Sabres best D this year and last night (and some other games) he was their best player on the ice.

I won't disagree on Byram's lame effort but you have to consider Tage's reach and strength. He has the size and ability to go right to the guy and muscle him out or interfere with his stick. He's definitely in position, but he's passive, and that's the problem. It's not just him, it's Sabres in general. They are fast enough to get back in position or they are in position but they are passive or just try to use their sticks. Strong players just walk around or through them. In this case it was Tage.

Swayman was very good but shots were mostly from far out, sight lines were open, net front was largely controlled, most plays were one and done. Team D is very good on the Bruins. If they find more scoring they could surprise. As is I doubt they are a playoff team either. The biggest contrast for me with the Sabres would be to watch a guy like Zadorov in front of their net and compare it with Power. Power will skate towards a player and maybe put his stick out to try to get the puck. Zadorov has his body right on the guy, he's muscling him out or tying him up and if he can't he will lift the guys stick off the ice to neutralize him. Watching him battle a strong guy like Anders Lee was a beautiful lesson on defense.

Seattle played Dallas dead even last night. Just lost on a late goal. They're good though. Basically the same as they were. Only one gets out of the division.

I do wonder if both are trying to stay healthy to be available. Leaders don't always have to be "high skill" but otherwise I agree.

Could be coaching. Could be trying to play themselves off the team. Could be they just don't care (or care enough). Thompson's always had these lazy moments. he also has really good ones. The Detroit game was the best example of what he is capable of, but he's rarely shown the desire to be that all the time. imo you need to surround a guy like that with hard working vets. You can't expect a guy like that to be the leader of others, especially youngsters.